So what's in a name?
IT MAY sound like a belching man named Gary, but is the name Burpengary as ugly as it seems?
For years outsiders have scoffed and giggled at the name plastered on signs as they drive to and from the Sunshine Coast, but those who do decide to take the turn-off find themselves quickly changing their tune.
Defenders were fired up further earlier this month after findmypast.com.au named Burpengary the fifth most unfortunate place name in Australia.
"In the course of researching their family history, people can discover that their ancestors came from somewhere with an unlikely, unfortunate or downright embarrassing name," family historian and spokeswoman for Find My Past Emma Kelly said.
Burpengary folk found themselves insulted by the inclusion and quickly jumped to defend the name on the Caboolture News Facebook page.
Many noted the name's heritage, derived from the Aboriginal word Burpengar which is believed to mean "place of the green wattle".
Some, such as Cate Palmer even took it further to suggest the wattle should be used as a logo for the area to give it a strong identity.
Officer-in-charge at Burpengary police station Senior Sergeant Ash Stanke also defended the name.
"I think it's widely known that it's derived from an Aboriginal word so we should pay due respect to the origins of the name," he said.
"I guess people are going to poke a bit of fun at a name like that, but I don't think any of the locals have any issues with it."
Snr Sgt Stanke backed suggestions for public promotion of the origin of the name.
"It makes this place a bit more special when people talk about the name. There is no other Burpengary so it's something to be proud of.
"The name has quite a long history, those laughing don't understand how good it is to live here.
"We have the best of both worlds - a country atmosphere just an hour from the city. You can't ask for much more."
MOST UNFORTUNATE AUSTRALIAN PLACE NAMES
1 Watanobbi (New South Wales)
2 Nowhere Else (Tasmania)
3 Eggs and Bacon Bay (Tasmania)
4 Bong Bong (New South Wales)
5 Burpengary (Queensland)
6 Wee Waa (New South Wales)
